Known for its footballing prowess, Italy is setting foot in the cricket World Cup for the first time

For decades, cricket has been trying to make itself a global sport, but unfortunately, most of the associate nations that have joined it aren’t recognised as major sporting countries. However, there has been a shift in the last few years after global giants like the United States of America and Canada started participating in cricket, which already has established names in boxing, MMA, the Olympics, basketball, and ice hockey.

In Europe, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Scotland have been playing cricket for a considerable period, but unlike in football, where they pull huge crowds, they have failed to do the same in cricket. In 2026, cricket is expected to receive a significant boost in viewership because Italy is set to participate in the ICC T20 World Cup.

Known for their global presence in football, having won four FIFA World Cups, and significant dominance in motorsports such as F1 and MotoGP, here’s all you need to know about Italian cricket that can bridge the gap between cricket and Europe.

38 years old and a new beginning

Italy’s cricket federation started in 1980, and within four years, it became an affiliate member of the ICC. By 1995, Italy had become an associate member, but in 2018, the team got a new beginning when the ICC decided to grant T20I status to all the associate members. This move allowed Italy to participate in European tournaments and qualifiers for the World Cup.

Up the ladder

Italy had to ascend a lengthy ladder to qualify for the expanded 20-member T20 World Cup tournament. The team finished second in the European regional qualifying behind a much more experienced side from the Netherlands. During the course, they defeated Ireland, who are a full member of the ICC. However, it was a T20I series of three games that Ireland won by 2-1.

Squad for the WC

The Italian squad includes players such as Wayne Madsen (c), Marcus Campopiano, Gian Piero Meade, Zain Ali, Ali Hasan, Crishan Jorge, Harry Manenti, Anthony Mosca, Justin Mosca, Syed Naqvi, Benjamin Manenti, Jaspreet Singh, JJ Smuts, Grant Stewart, and Thomas Draca.

At the top of the team’s management is head coach John Davison, who is supported by assistant coaches Kevin O'Brien and Douglas Brown, whereas Peter Di Venuto is serving as the team’s manager.

Form in warm-up

At the time of drafting this article, Italy has played one warm-up game against Canada, which the Azzurri won. Batting first, Italy scored 156 runs in the first innings, with 49 runs coming off JJ Smuts’ bat and Harry Manenti hitting 33 runs. In response, Canada managed 146 runs with no balls to spare as Italy registered a 10-run victory.

Group & prediction

Italy has been put in Group C, along with England, the West Indies, Scotland, and Nepal. The old-school big boys like England and the West Indies are expected to have an upper hand over Italy. However, Italy can impress if they pull off another upset against Scotland like they did last year. Nepal is also a team that Italy could defeat if they manage to control the tempo throughout the game. As far as Super 8 is concerned, it is a possibility in case the West Indies slip up, as they have done on numerous occasions.

Overall, Italy may not reach the Super 8 stage, but we believe Italy will definitely rack up two World Cup victories in their debut edition.